Motherwell V St Mirren at Fir Park Stadium : Match Preview

05 April 2013 07:01

Motherwell skipper Keith Lasley admits he has moved his sights from securing a top-six finish in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League to hanging on to second place.

With one game to go before the split, Stuart McCall's side are three points ahead of Inverness who host St Johnstone on Friday night.

However, after initially battling to make sure Well finish in the top half of the table, Lasley is determined the Lanarkshire club remain 'best of the rest' behind inevitable champions Celtic ahead of their clash with St Mirren.

Now that we have secured top six we have to focus on trying to get second," he told Press Association Sport.

"Second-placed for us is a big achievement in terms of other clubs who have bigger budgets.

"It really is our focus, that is what we are aiming for now, no doubt, and if we weren't to get it, it would be a disappointment.

"We certainly don't have any given right to get it but we are certainly determined to give it our best shot.

"After the split all the teams have to play each other and it's going to be tight, as it has been all season, but that's the aim and if you don't achieve your aims then it is always a disappointment."

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall has a full squad to choose from at Fir Park.

McCall said: "I can pick from a fully-fit squad, which is great. Adam Cummins was sent off playing for the Under-20s but it is an Under-20s suspension he serves, so that's not a problem."

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon admits he particularly enjoys games with Motherwell as he relishes the encounter with McCall's in-form team.

The Buddies remain on a high following their Scottish Communities League Cup triumph, having drawn with Celtic and Kilmarnock since their Hampden win.

Lennon said: "I thoroughly enjoy these fixtures. Wee Stuart McCall and Kenny (Black) once again take a great deal of credit.

"Motherwell finished third last season and they could better that this season again.

"Stuart signing a new contract is great because I admire Motherwell's attacking philosophy.

"They score goals, they have picked up 13 points out of a possible 15, and have scored seven goals in their last two games.

"They are an attacking side and, in the good form that we are in at the minute, it's got the makings of a fantastic game.

"The games have been really really exciting in my time in charge and more so in Stuart's time at Motherwell."

St Mirren forward Esmael Goncalves is suspended after he accepted accepted a two-match ban for simulation over the penalty that earned Saints a point against Celtic on Sunday.

Winger Gary Teale has recovered from the tight muscle that ended his action in the midweek draw at Kilmarnock but long-term absentees Thomas Reilly, David Barron and Darren McGregor remain out of contention.